Seventeen months after the last Commencement exercises held at Wingate, graduates finally crossed the stage to receive diplomas in May of 2021.

Crowds were limited and chairs were distanced, but masks couldn’t hide the smiles as 788 students were honored during four ceremonies spread over three days. The multiple events were necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which was still very much a factor in Commencement preparations. For one thing, rather than delivering a speech live, guest speaker Mandy Cohen, secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, recorded a message, which was sent out via a link in an email.

In her address, Cohen lauded the graduates of 2020, who “had a lot less pomp due to the circumstances.”

On May 16, 170 graduates from the class of 2020 capped off a four-ceremony weekend. On May 14, 138 graduate students received degrees, including 82 doctors of pharmacy. A pair of ceremonies on May 15 honored bachelor’s-degree recipients from the class of 2021.

Although Cohen’s address was not broadcast live, President Rhett Brown recapped her main points – believe in yourself, be uncomfortable and listen more – adding his take on each. He said the purpose of higher education, defined by some as “the creation and dissemination of knowledge,” has a deeper meaning at Wingate.

“It has more to do with who we are and what we do with our lives,” Brown said, as he reminded students of the University’s motto of Faith, Knowledge, Service. “Our guiding purpose is to change lives for the better with a knowledge that informs and integrates our faith and ultimately leads to a life of service.”

Thomasville resident Shaniqua McNeil, who received her psychology degree, plans to put her knowledge to use serving autistic children. She said that although getting an education in the midst of a pandemic was challenging, her family and her faith in God carried her through.

Having to wait a year for their commencement didn’t seem to dampen most graduates’ excitement.

“During a pandemic, all things are possible as long as you don’t quit,” said Robert Wingate, who earned his doctor of education in educational leadership degree. An assistant principal at Harding University High School in Charlotte, Wingate said that he was determined to come back for his ceremony.

“If I had to wait two years to walk, it didn’t matter, I was coming back,” he said. “It was well worth the wait.”

Steve Poston, vice president and director of athletics, who is retiring at the end of 2021, received an honorary doctorate on the morning of April 15. Poston has spent half a century serving the University in a variety of roles. He will continue part-time as an advisor to President Brown.

Fall Commencement is scheduled for Dec. 18.